JOE PENFOLD, ENGAGEMENT RANGER AT SHROPSHIRE HILLS NATURAL LANDSCAPE SHARED HIS TOP 5 HERITAGE PLACES IN THE SHROPSHIRE HILLS AS WELL AS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON WHY THIS IS A SPECIAL AREA.

Joe Penfold is an Engagement Ranger at Shropshire Hills Natural Landscape (SHNL – the new name since Nov 2022 of the designated Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Shropshire Hills National Landscape covers around a quarter of our county, extending from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones across to the Clee Hills.

Joe entertained us all with an excellent talk supported by slides showing the Special Qualities of the Shropshire Hills including: hills, rivers, farmed landscape, woodlands, geology, wild life, heritage & culture, scenic tranquillity, natural capital, opportunities for enjoyment.

Joe shared his own top 5 heritage sites: Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle; Earl’s Hill Nature Reserve, Pontesbury; Offa’s Dyke; The Knapp, Castle Pulverbatch motte and bailey; Snailbeach Mine.

Several attendees offered their own favourite spots including The Darwin Oak on the Shrewsbury to Cressage road; gliding over the Long Mynd; walks to and from The Bridges pub in Ratlinghope; Acton Scott Heritage farm where one of the attendee’s grandfather was the Butler! A wonderful morning celebrating the south side of our wonderful county.